According to Calciomercato, Juventus are suddenly looking to hijack Granit Xhaka’s potential move from Arsenal to Roma.
What’s the story?
Roma have been chasing Xhaka for weeks now, with new boss Jose Mourinho keen to work with the midfielder in Italy.
Roma Press reported earlier this month that Xhaka wanted to join Roma before Euro 2020 started – but that hasn’t been done.
Xhaka has agreed personal terms with Roma, but with no deal struck with Arsenal, there is now a chance that Juventus strike.
It’s stated that Juventus are now struggling to sign Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli, and are targeting Xhaka as a backup option.
What has been said about Xhaka and how much do Arsenal want?
Xhaka may divide opinion amongst Arsenal fans, but Mikel Arteta has kept him in his side and former manager Unai Emery has called him ‘extraordinary’.
Arsene Wenger was also a big enough fan to pay £35million to sign Xhaka, and yet Arsenal will sell for around €20million (£17.2million), around half the price.
That could help Arsenal bring in somebody like Albert Sambi Lokonga, but taking such a huge loss maybe isn’t the greatest look.
A transfer boost for Arsenal
Gazzetta dello Sport reported earlier this month that Arsenal are willing to pay £34million to sign Locatelli from Sassuolo.
The 23-year-old has been impressing at Euro 2020, and Edu seemingly wants to bring him to Arsenal.
If Juventus can’t sign Locatelli and go for Xhaka, Locatelli could become free for Arsenal to target fully in a strange twist of fate.
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